Exercise and Blood Sugar

Even gardening can lower the level
of blood sugar in the body.

People who have diabetes are often
encouraged to exercise. There are
many benefits that can be realized
when one starts and stays on an exercise
program. However, there are
special concerns for people with diabetes
who wish to exercise, among
them, the need to know and closely
monitor blood sugar levels.

Generally, exercise and physical activity,
especially aerobic activity, such as
continuous walking or swimming for
twenty to thirty minutes, lowers the
level of blood sugar in the body. It
also promotes the transfer of sugar
from the blood to the cells where it
can be used more readily for energy.
Exercise, however, can lower the
blood sugar excessively. People with
Type 2 diabetes who control their diabetes
through diet and exercise, rarely
experience this exercise-induced low
blood sugar.

Because everyone’s response to exercise
is unique, it is important to establish
and monitor your blood sugar
response to exercise very closely.Talk
to your doctor before getting started
to review any recommendations
regarding schedule, adjustments in
meal plan, or medication regimen. To
help prevent extreme fluctuations in
blood sugar, check your glucose 30
minutes before, and then again,
immediately before your exercise session.
This will determine if your level
is stable and whether it’s safe to start
exercising. If glucose is too high or
too low, don’t exercise. If it is too
low, eating a carbohydrate-loaded
snack before exercising can help.
Continue to monitor your glucose
level during the exercise session. That
means stop, and take a test! When
you are finished exercising, take
another test, and eat a snack or take
medication as directed by your physician,
or if required. By keeping to a
regular exercise schedule whenever
possible, you can better anticipate
your need for insulin on a daily basis.

Remember to choose exercise
activities that you’ll enjoy. You don’t
need to go to a gym or health club to
exercise — as the ad says,“JUST DO
IT.” Start slowly and gradually build
up your activity level, and keep a diary
or record of your activities.Your activity
should be somewhat challenging,
but not overly difficult. Change your
activities from time to time to keep
things fresh, but remember to keep an
eye on your glucose level. Set goals
and reward yourself when you achieve
these results — see a movie, or buy
yourself that book you’ve been thinking
about reading.And remember —
even lighter activities such as housework,
gardening, laundry, or even
being on your feet for extended periods
of time, can affect your blood
sugar levels.

For additional information,
contact the American Diabetes
Association, 800-342-2383 or
www.diabetes.org. You can
purchase their walking kit
“Small Steps, Big Rewards,”
which contains helpful tips and
a step-counting pedometer that
may add to the enjoyment of
exercise.
Renker Wellness Center
Membership:
$75 evaluation fee, and $60 per month
which includes the use of facilities and
all classes.
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
(closed 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

For more information on exercise, the
Renker Wellness Center, or finding a
personal trainer, contact the Renker
Wellness Center at 760-773-2030.